St James’ CofE Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Children get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They make good progress throughout their time at school because they are well taught. Pupils enjoy and learn well from the activities which are planned for them.

They are encouraged to use their imaginations and find out things for themselves. Attainment by the end of Year 2 is above average. Pupils' reading skills are particularly well developed by the time they leave school.

For all classes the indoor spaces provide a stimulating learning environment and this extends to the outdoor areas. There are many opportunities to learn beyond school. Pupils' behaviour... is good.

They say they feel safe in school and they learn how to stay safe in other environments. Links between school and home are strong. The school is highly valued by pupils and their families because they are cared for by a team of staff who know each pupil well.

The senior leadership team has an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development. They lead by example and staff share their vision for promoting personal development alongside academic achievement. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is extremely well developed.

Together the senior leadership team and the governing body are building on the strengths in teaching and achievement found at the previous inspection. This is an improving school. Governors have carried out a self-evaluation which has effectively developed their roles in supporting and challenging the school.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils' attainment and achievement are not yet outstanding because some teaching does not help them to make fast enough progress. Occasionally, pupils find work too easy and activities are not adapted quickly enough. In Key Stage 1, pupils do not always have opportunities to correct or improve their work, particularly in mathematics.

Teachers and teaching assistants do not yet have enough opportunities to share best practice across the school.

Information about this school

St James' is an average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium is lower than that found nationally.

The pupil premium is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children who are looked after by the local authority and the children of service families. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is well below that found nationally. The proportion supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average.

The large majority of pupils are White British. Very few are from minority ethnic backgrounds or speak English as an additional language. The school has achieved the Activemark in Sport, Artsmark, Healthy School Status, Fairtrade School and School Achievement Awards.